News & Events
Sitar Arts Center Welcomes Five New Board Members and New Board Leadership
Sitar Arts Center Welcomes Five New Board Members and New Board Leadership
Diverse Expertise Joins Board as Sitar Prepares for 25th Anniversary and Expansion
WASHINGTON, October 23, 2024 — Sitar Arts Center, an anchor of the Adams Morgan community known for its high-quality and accessible arts education, is thrilled to announce the appointment of five new board members. These new additions will play a crucial role in supporting the nonprofit’s mission to eliminate financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training for children, teens, and young adults from every Ward of Washington, D.C.
With a nearly 25-year legacy, Sitar Arts Center provides a space where youth can explore the transformative power of the arts. Fostering a creative community of learning and belonging, Sitar unlocks each child’s creative potential through engaging and joyful learning, driving measurable success in school, the workforce, and personal growth. This community-centered approach ensures that all young people in DC can thrive and achieve their greatest potential.
The newly appointed board members, effective September 1, 2024, will serve three-year terms with the option to renew for a second term. The new members are:
- Chidi Blyden, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Millenium Challenge Corporation
- Sara Gibson, co-founder, and CEO of 20 Degrees; recognized as a 2021 Washington Business Journal Woman Who Means Business; member of Leadership Greater Washington.
- Suzanne Laporte, CEO/President of American Horticulture Society; formerly CEO of Friends of Compass, Inc.
- Richard Lilley, registered patent and tax attorney at McIntyre-Lilley Intellectual Property, and former Captain in the U.S. Air Force.
- Troy Patterson, Sales Associate, The Spera Group at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
In addition to board President Mario Garcia Durham, independent art consultant; and Treasurer Daniel Fox, partner, CohnReznick — who each serve in their current board leadership roles through 2027 and 2025 respectively — Sitar’s board announced the following officer appointments:
- Jade Floyd, Vice President and Immediate Past Secretary; EVP of Communications and Public Affairs, Global Strategy Group
- Jaya Saxena, Vice President; Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Spencer Stuart
- Barara Harman, Secretary; Executive Director, Harman Family Foundation
Durham expressed his enthusiasm for the new board members, stating, “We are excited to welcome these talented individuals to our board. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advance Sitar’s mission and grow in size and scope. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing board members Quanda Allen, Ellen Fern, Jill Herscot, Mohini Malhotra, Kristan McMahon, and Scott Spector, whose leadership and dedication have contributed to our success. Their service has been instrumental in helping us achieve our strategic goals.”
Maureen Dwyer, executive director of Sitar Arts Center, highlighted the significance of the moment, saying, “As we look forward to celebrating Sitar’s 25th anniversary in 2025, we are also thrilled to prepare for the opening of Sitar Next Door. This new extension of our center will allow us to reach even more young people and provide expanded opportunities for artistic exploration and growth. The arrival of our new board members comes at an exciting time, and their support will be crucial as we continue to build on our rich legacy and forward vision for DC youth.”
About Sitar Arts Center
Founded in 2000, Sitar Arts Center advances equitable access to high quality education and workforce development in the visual, performing, and digital arts. Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. Sitar envisions a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education, and career training, and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential.
For more information, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
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